A Few Tips for SDSU Freshmen

As a graduate of San Diego State University, let me offer you some first-hand advice to help ease you into the college culture in your freshman year. San Diego State is a beautiful college, and is located in a beautiful city. Unfortunately, the school has received somewhat of a reputation as a "party school." This is mainly due to two factors: the schools heavy influence and participation in collegiate sports, and the presence of fraternities and sororities in close proximity to the campus.

Whether or not you choose to participate in the wealth of social activities available at SDSU, make sure that you keep yourself safe. Do not become overly focused on drinking and partying. You will suffer and so will your grades. Always make sure that you are safe and stay in the company of friends. You are especially vulnerable when you leave home for the first time, precisely because you do not feel that way. Err on the side of being too timid rather than too outgoing.

Many SDSU students cross the border to Mexico to participate in underage drinking. You should be aware of two things if you choose to enter Mexico. First, the city of Tijuana has been in the grip of a violent drug war for several years. Many innocent civilians have been killed there. Second, both sides of the border are keeping a close eye on underage drinkers. I'm not saying that you shouldn't go if you want to, but I am saying that entering a foreign country to participate in underage drinking is not a very wise thing to do.

A final word of advice to new SDSU students: Get organized and stay on track. Your college education is an investment, and the returns are up to you. Get a calendar that shows a month at time, and mark all assignments and tests on it. When you get overwhelmed, look at your calendar and just focus on the next thing that you need to do. When that is done, move onto the next thing. I understand that a lot of things can come due at the same time, but focusing on one project or assignment at a time will be a huge stress reliever.

These are just a few words of advice that I have for new students attending San Diego State University. I hope that you have a great time while you are there, and are successful in your studies.